Feds don't always see mobile as cost saver

New research exploring what effect mobile technology has on the productivity and operations of federal agencies confirms that many believe a move to mobile would boost productivity and save money in the long run.

The findings from a survey of 300 federal managers come just a day after the White House announced its new mobile strategy to make government services available on mobile devices.

“Americans deserve a government that works for them anytime, anywhere, and on any device,” President Barack Obama said in announcing the directive that requires agencies to pick two services citizens depend on and make them available on mobile phones within the next 12 months.

Market Connections conducted the survey, commissioned by AOL Government. It showed that 75 percent said mobile technology will make it easier to complete work off-site, bumping up productivity and cost savings. An overwhelming number (82 percent) said mobile technology would make it easier to telework. Nearly 70 percent also think providing immediate access to agency data through mobile devices helps decision making.

Most respondents said the greater cost-savings from a move to mobile will come from lower real estate costs (57 percent); reduced net computer hardware costs (49 percent); lower software licensing costs (42 percent); and lower help- desk costs (35 percent). Respondents said an overall shift to mobile could save as much as 29 percent per year over time.

With the backdrop of the newly rolled-out strategy for a digital government, 44 percent said they need more guidance or roadmaps from federal IT leaders on how to best proceed with mobile technology. More than 40 percent said they would like to see better acquisition processes to buy mobile technology.

The survey polled 300 federal managers who work with establishing polices, initiatives, buying or developing systems that involve mobile technology.

About the Author

Camille Tuutti is a former FCW staff writer who covered federal oversight and the workforce.

FCW investigated efforts by the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to improve a joint data repository on military and veteran suicides. Something as impersonal and mundane as incomplete datasets could be exacerbating a national tragedy.

The National Information Exchange Model's usefulness extends far beyond its origins in justice and law enforcement.

Reader comments

Wed, May 30, 2012

Unfortunately many, if not most, new Government "cost-saving programs" actually end up costing more money. These programs are usually more of a "see what great things we are doing" projects in order to boost some individuals careers. All sorts of hype but no real substance.

Tue, May 29, 2012
OccupyIT

I'm sorry to say that mobile is mostly a hoax as far as the USG is concerned. They aren't running programs well and still have to convince people they are worth paying taxes for. Obviously the answer is not better programs but eye candy. Mobile isn't a STRATEGY it is a CHANNEL. If you don't know what you're doing at the core then mobile is a huge waste of money so you can join the 'cool' CIOs. Get back to the business of running programs well and stop trying to build a better PowerPoint for your lame data.

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